Mike’s Next Adventure

Germany has the “Hoff” — Japan has the “Buch”

An article by Brigitte

From Mike:

Brigitte was one of my first followers, and has been a constant source of inspiration since. She’s one of the sweetest bloggers out there, a tremendous writer, and not a Monday goes by where I don’t head over to her site Brigitte’s Banter to read her Monday’s Musings. These habitual Monday stops provide perspective, reflection, and a sense of zen. She’s been Freshly Pressed twice (deservedly so), and has an legion of followers.

Brigitte won the first Roam About Contest, and has a shrine built in her house to the great Scott Baio (the prize was a poster of Chachi), to the dismay of her hubby. Seriously, follow Brigitte; it’ll make you a better person. – Mike

Mike, whom I’ve followed for many months now, asked me to write a post for him while he’s traipsing around Japan. On a Saturday, a day I never usually post, but I will for Mike because he and his better other half, Marti, are good people.

I’m not sure why he’s there other than “work,” as he let me know in a personal email. Sources in Japan tell me Mike is revisiting a dream, nay, a date with destiny.

Mike, in case you’ve not surmised for yourself, is truly a purveyor of awesome, a jack of all trades. He’s traveled all over the globe. You may ask yourself, How can a guy do so much, how does he have the time? How can he be that awesome?

Read on.

Before leaving for Japan, Mike’s spirit guide visited him in a dream. This was after a bad beer and sushi episode.

Gas Station Sushi. Just say no.

“Mikey-san, when the student is ready, the Hasselhoff will appear.” — Lemur Master, Mike’s Spirit Guide

Mike asked himself, “What could this mean?” During the plane ride to Japan, Mike was on copious amounts of NyQuill and the Lemur Master spoke to him once more:

Translation: The talented hawk hides its claws or Hide your expertise and prowess until it is requested. Or so says the Lemur Master (and Wikipedia).

It was time for Mike’s claws to hide no more.

Young Mike, crafting cocktails, flipping bottles.

Years ago, Mike went down the path of many talented guys in their twenties, living the dream — modeling, acting and such, bartending probably.

He is and he’s bringing it to Japan. En route to his destiny Mike met David Hasselhoff, the legend who took Germany by storm, and The Hoff, as Lemur Master predicted, has agreed to mentor Mike. All these seemingly “accidental,” precarious (as precarious as this post), have culminated to bring Mike his dharma.

Here are a few shots of The Hoff mentoring the student, Mike.

After a grueling schedule, Mike and The Hoff take a leisurely jog near the Sea of Japan.

Under Hoff’s tutelage, Mike’s been entertaining Japan in a major way, making a name for himself at a rapid-fire pace. Parades, sumo wrestling, advertisements and game shows — no Westerner has come close to this kind of popularity in Japan since Cher.

Take a look:

Mike pauses during a parade for a fan to snap a picture.

Engaging in some sumo frivolity to the delight of the crowd!

Mike’s favorite new beer.

Negotiations are in the works for a co-host spot.

The quintessential ambassador of peace welcomes everyone!

Soon you’ll see Mike’s app.

The Buch™ App. Coming soon with tons of fun games!

He goes by “The Buch.™ (pronunciation — “Booche,” rhymes with…uh…swoosh. The Hoff thought it best if it sounded French, because after all, everyone loves the French).

46 comments on “Germany has the “Hoff” — Japan has the “Buch””

Reblogged this on Brigitte's Banter and commented:
I’m guest posting on Mike’s Roam About Mike’s blog today. Mike is a talented writer who roams the world, sharing his adventures. I’ve been following him for a long time because he makes me laugh and that’s always a good thing. Please go over and read my post on his blog and have a great weekend!

Brigitte!
This is hilarious! Love the photos and the lemur! Hey, I met the Hoff in Denver a while back. He’s quite a guy, but I didn’t realize he was such a great mentor! He sure got Mike whipped into shape for that beach scene.
Gosh Mike, you’ve been a busy guy so far! Can’t wait to see your adventures when you’re back!
So funny Brigitte!

Thanks, Susie. The lemur comes from Mike — that is his spirit guide. So you’ve met the Hoff? Wow. He was tough on Mike but you know, he had to be in order to reach the heights he did. Thanks again, Susie – so glad you enjoyed. 🙂

It is hard to believe, but I am actually not with him. I decided to hang back on this trip because I own a small business and it would be hard for me to spend that much time away right now. Soooooo, I have packed our entire apartment by myself. Quite and awesome accomplishment, if you ask me. He is going to come back and be shocked!

Hahahaha! Brigitte, this is so effing amazing. Thank you so much for taking the time to superimpose my ridiculous mug everywhere. I really appreciate it, and think you should take over my blog permanently. 🙂

Hey Mike — you’re welcome and welcome back! Thanks for allowing me to write about you — I’ve gained some new followers. I had hoped for more comments but I think it was the Saturday/Easter weekend thing. That’s what I’m telling myself anyway. :).